How to Stop the Windows 10 Update from Automatically Occurring

A new article has been posted to the TAM Retail blog by Ian Rigg:

It has come to our attention that Microsoft is pushing updates from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10. Over the past week, a slew of systems automatically upgraded to the Windows 10 operating system.

Unfortunately, it disables the built-in Administrator account, which doesn’t allow you to log back into Windows. It also deletes Network Configuration settings, which may affect the communication between the servers and workstations/registers. In addition, it will delete any Windows VPNs you may have created causing TAM Polling to fail.

For the time being, we want to prevent any other customers from falling prey to this innocent but inconvenient update. Below is a workflow to ensure your system keeps running as is and ensures your business flows smoothly.

Many computer systems are set to auto-update. This can be incredibly convenient, as one doesn’t have to think about it to install beneficial or even necessary updates, but with Microsoft changing the upgrade to Windows 10 from an optional upgrade to a recommended one, these settings may need to be changed.

You can check your update settings by going to the Start menu of your computer. Once in the Start menu, go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Update -> Change Settings. From there, you’ll see this screen. Under “Important updates”, you’ll want to change it to “Download updates but let me choose whether to install them”.

This will allow you to stave off Windows 10. When you see this screen, you’re not obligated to update, as you would be with an automatic update. You may still elect to allow other updates, but please refrain from Windows 10.

Now no matter what, DO NOT DO WHAT YOU SEE BELOW. It is an example of how computers can automatically upgrade to Windows 10. If you have chosen “Install updates automatically (recommended)” for your Important Updates, make sure that “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” is unchecked.

If you wish to download the Windows 10 upgrade, please contact the TAM Help Desk at 866-435-7826 or email us directly at help@tamretail.com. Request to schedule an appointment with a TAM Analyst to discuss the tasks that need to occur before applying the Windows 10 upgrade.